CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Words by Melissa Chorlton

The last couple of years have been challenging for people. From the global pandemic to the war in the Ukraine, times are still hard and everyone feels physically and mentally drained. This is why fashion has taken a turn and has come out with a range of new styles with designers collaborating with one another to show unity in a world that is more polarised than ever. With a record number of collaborations in the fashion industry last year, 2022 was thought to have quietened down, but this is far from true. 2022 has brought some huge collaborations from the top design houses in the world like Supreme, Gucci, Balenciaga and much more. In this article, we will go through some of the most significant men’s fashion collaborations in 2022.

Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga

Ye has been in the public eye a lot this year, from unacceptable and controversial statements to ruining his ties with his fashion label. Everything was looking up for the brand t the start of the year when his Yeezy Gap collaborated with Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia to create a whole new collaboration between all three brands called Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga.

Its first fashion drop was in February with a range of garments including jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, denim jackets, joggers and puffer jackets with prices ranging from $120 up to $440 when purchased from the stores, obviously these pieces cost more from resellers due to them being difficult to find.

Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon

Prada and Adidas started their collaboration journey in 2019, and have already released two collections. In January they collaborated once again for the Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon collection which is now their third collection together. This collaboration has brought out its first capsule collection of co-branded clothes and accessories.

The two brands have rethought fashion and have turned their classic sportswear into a sustainably focused eco-friendly approach. Instead of using the classic nylon is now been replaced with Prada Re-Nylon which is made completely of plastic waste from the oceans. The garments included were anoraks, bags, backpacks, tracksuits and much more.

Burberry x Supreme

Burberry and Supreme partnered up in March for a spring collaboration drop which included a classic trench coat collection, a range of puffer jackets hoodies, jeans and much more to create a uniform. The collection reimagined the timelessness of Burberry by using the classic plaid print but paired with the Supremes streetwear silhouette.

Givenchy x Disney

In May, Matthew Williams, creative director at Givenchy partnered with the renowned Disney for a fashion collaboration called “The Wonder Gallery” for a limited edition capsule collection. The collab focused on a range of tees and hoodies with iconic Disney characters, silhouettes and icons inspired by some of the biggest Disney movies such as 101 Dalmatians, Bambi and Frozen. This isn’t the only time they collaborated as in 2013, Bambi made an appearance on a Givenchy sweatshirt.

Adidas x Gucci

Adidas has been busy in 2022 and is probably one of the most talked about collaborations this year with Gucci. The initial collection debuted in June and quickly went out of sale as soon as it launched. The collaboration focused on creating super luxury sportswear that ties in with the vintage aesthetic of Adidas original. The collection has a range of garments to offer including sweatbands, running shorts, track tops and much more. The collab used the Adidas Trefoil with the Gucci name to create a truly unique aesthetic.

Louis Vuitton x Nike “Air Force One”

One of the most significant men’s fashion collaborations in 2022 has got to be Louis Vuitton’s homage to its late designer Virgil Abloh. The brand teamed up with Nike in May 2022 to release a complete range of Nike Air Force 1 sneakers that were designed by Abloh himself in a collab between the fashion house and Nike. There are many collab designer trainers released in 2022, but this collaboration was more than just two brands coming together, it was about creating a legacy for Virgil to be remembered by.

Swatch x Omega

This is hands down a collaboration that nobody saw coming. Omega and Swatch collaborated which has made many watch enthusiasts hide under their covers and has caused outrage among resellers. Hype beast culture is a huge trend in 2022, and more people than ever are turning to special pieces, well this Swatch x Omega collab is definitely something for the streetwear-focused man. In the future, we should start to see more of this form of collaboration with other watch brands.

Balenciaga x Crocs

We couldn’t not have Crocs on this list. One of the most controversial collaborations ever. Crocs are one of the ugliest and worst-looking footwear to have ever been created, but for some reason, they are flying off the shelves. With this in mind, pair it with one of the hottest brands in the world Balenciaga and it is an unstoppable force. The first collab they had created a range of bags, high-heeled Crocs and posh wellies. Now, the new collaboration focuses on HardCrocs which looks like a young goths fantasy. They still have the same ugly silhouette, but with an extra platform with nuts and bolts plastered over them. They come in both mens and women, so you will definitely see a selection of people wearing these pieces.

There have definitely been some amazing collaborations with brands in 2022, keep a look out for what is coming in 2023 for some more extravagant collaborations from your favourite brands.

In the past month, 464,000 Brits have asked Google ‘how many days until Christmas’ [it’s 29 by the way!!!!!] While as many as 10,000 of us have started to ask ‘what to get’ family members as gifts.

However, as recent reports warn ‘fraudsters seek to use the economic crisis and Christmas to target Britons’, it’s more important than ever to shop smart this holiday season.

With a passion for sustainability and ethical standards also affecting the way we shop — as well as the need to be frugal due to the rising cost of living — it’s likely millions of shoppers will turn to resale sites to buy or sell pre-loved items. Consequently, sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted might be at risk of becoming potential targets for scammers.

Therefore, the experts at Scams.info have provided 5 tips on how to detect a scam to ensure you don’t fall for one.

1. Pay attention to the payment method

When shopping online, always making a payment through the website itself is crucial. Often online scammers might put pressure on a buyer not to use a site’s secure payment methods, but instead pay through a bank transfer before the product has been seen or received. Coming across such a seller should always raise a red flag!

2. Demand current photos of the product

Whatever the pre-loved item you’re trying to purchase, demand that the seller send you a recent photo of it. Ask them to set the product next to a piece of paper with your name written on it, for example. If they’re unwilling to do so, chances are they don’t have the product at all, so don’t proceed with the transaction!

3. Look out for extremely low-priced products

Products sold for unbelievably low prices are a definite warning sign. Do your research and look around other websites to check the average price of the product you’d like to buy. Remember: if the price seems way too good to be true, it most likely is!

4. Check the seller’s profile

Ideally, the seller should have reviews on their profile from previous buyers that you could go through. Also be aware of too many positive reviews which sound the same. Inspect the profile carefully for anything that might look suspicious and if you see something, don’t risk buying from that seller!

5. Decline overpayments if you’re the seller

While it might not happen too often, scammers may target sellers as well. They may pay more than the set price and then say they’ve made a mistake before asking for a partial refund. The seller will send the refund, only to discover the original payment had been cancelled. If a person is acting suspicious when you decline an overpayment and ask for the correct amount, it could mean they’re a scammer!

New research from the men’s grooming platform, and dating app, Humanery has identified the intrinsic link between self-care and a potential partners’ attractiveness. First impressions do count, with stats showing women are in favor of those who engage in self-care, and Gen Z are unafraid of telling a date they need to make more of an effort. 

• • Nearly half (48%) the nation think having a self-care routine makes a partner more attractive
  • Over half of UK women judge a potential love interests’ smile (51%) and smell (54%) on a first date
  • A fifth of women and over a quarter of 16-24 year olds would tell a partner to upgrade their personal care routine after just 1 month of dating

 5 ways to give your pre-date grooming routine an upgrade

So if you want to ace your dating game, then make the best possible impression with these grooming upgrades from Humanery‘s beauty and grooming expert, Lee Kynaston.

1. Aim for perfection with the help of a concealer. Worried about spots, shaving rash or under eye dark circles? Then disguise them with the help of a concealer like  Benny Hancock ‘s Concealer/Corrective Pen. Easy to use, it’s the fastest way to cover any confidence-robbing imperfections so you always start your date looking inspection (and Insta) ready.
2. Be a smooth operator. If you’re worried your hairy shoulders might be scary shoulders or just feel more confident in the sack sans fur, forget shaving (which can leave prickly regrowth) and opt for a hair removal cream like Baldape Parlour Charcoal hair Removal Cream. Quick to use (you just slap it on, leave for a few minutes and rinse off) it delivers long lasting results and is gentle enough to use for more intimate,  ‘downstairs’ hair removal too.
3. Make sure it’s all white on the night with the help of a teeth whitening kit. With studies showing a confident smile is seen as one of the sexiest attributes a man can have, ensure your pearlies look perfect with the help of a home whitening kit (SmileTime’s PremiumTeeth Whitening Kit is easy to use). Think of it as your at-home hygienist.  
4. Nail the details. Details matter when dating and no detail matters more than the state of your nails because if your nails, which will be on constant display, look grubby your date will be wondering what the bits that aren’t on display are like. Before leaving the house check they’re clipped and clean using a nail kit like BUG for Men 4-Piece Nail Grooming Kit. Always cut nails straight across and use the file to soften the edges so there’s no risk of scratching skin in the heat of the moment.
5. Arm yourself with pocket helpers. It’s one thing leaving the house looking your best but if you want to maintain your appearance throughout the date you need to be packing a few pocket helpers. HAPPY PAUL Roll On fragrance is a crafty way to ensure you smell great all night long; a small tin of The Brighton Beard Company Beard Balm will keep facial hair smelling fresh throughout; while John Masters Organics Lip Calm will help keep lips kissable. If all this doesn’t make you irresistible, I don’t know what will.

Additionally, Humanery have an exciting Black Friday offer, where customers who spend £150 will receive a free gift box of luxury grooming products worth over £250! 

Sounder is a new golf brand for people who love the game – but not all the nonsense that comes with it. Sounder is the brainchild of Cathal McAteer – founder and creative director of the award-winning fashion label Folk, and James Day – a club-maker, teacher, ex-PGA professional, and founder of Urban Golf, the UK’s original indoor golf venue. The two met when Cathal came to see James to get a set of clubs built. Over many hours in James’s workshop, the pair realised that they were kindred spirits: James has the same relationship with golf equipment that Cathal has with clothes – an appreciation of both style and function, and a love of quality and craftmanship.

The Sounder collection reflects these shared values – a range of clothing that looks great on the course, but is equally at home in the office, on the town or down the pub. Sounder’s essentials collection includes a tour-quality golf ball, a 100% cabretta leather glove, wooden tees and cotton bag towels. Sounder was the brand of golf clubs that the legendary Seve Ballesteros used when he first emerged on the world stage in the late 1970s.

There latest endeavour is a collaboration with Random Golf Club, the golf community founded by film-maker and entrepreneur Erik Anders Lang. Random Golf Club was born out of a love for community – the community all golfers find when you tee it up on the first hole with a complete stranger, and walk down the first hole with a new friend. The business was founded by Erik Anders Lang, who wanted to create a vehicle to share that camaraderie and opportunity with anyone – regardless of their background, experience or history with the game.

The limited-edition range, which includes shirts, polos, sweats and caps, will be available exclusively to customers via the Sounder and Random Golf Club websites, and will go on sale online

Sounder will also launch the collection at a pop up shop in Shoreditch (9 Club Row, London, E1 6JX) until Saturday 26th November. 11am – 7pm daily, Midday – 5pm Sunday 20th.

The partnership marks the next stage in the relationship between Sounder and Random Golf Club, which began when Anders Lang and his team based themselves at the Sounder Clubhouse in St Andrews for the 150th Open Championship.

The two brands worked together to produce a series of interviews, live events and podcasts, leading to the development of an apparel range that celebrates a more relaxed, contemporary and accessible version of golf.

The Sounder Clubhouse brought a festival feel to the world’s oldest golf major, with DJ sets, live music, art exhibitions, food and drink, and a missed-cut party on the Friday night.

The entrepreneurs from the worlds of sport and fashion are intent on shaking up a golf industry obsessed with distance, data, technology and performance – and have come together to do what many thought was impossible: make golf cool.

Cathal McAteer, co-founder and creative director of Sounder, said: “Erik and the Random Golf Club crew do a great job celebrating all the things that we love about golf – the challenge, the camaraderie, the frustration and the fun. We had a blast working with them on this collaboration, and we’re excited to introduce a product range that captures that passion and commitment to doing things differently.”

Ahead of The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicking off later this month, hair experts at Chris & Sons have ranked the top 10 most iconic world cup hairstyles to date. 

Andrew Vassiliou, Director of Chris & Sons, a leading Independent distributor to the hair and beauty industry, says, “We’ve all seen or heard of elite sports people performing ritual movements before competitions. From the outside looking in it may seem odd and strange; however, in all sports, superstitions and rituals are widespread and very common practice.”

“When it comes to the World Cup, one of the most evident superstitions is the haircuts. Some players refuse to cut their hair until something happens. Other players refuse to let it grow back out until certain events happen. And then others opt for a wild and wacky hairstyle to mark the event.”

The 10 most iconic World Cup hairstyles of all time ranked by hair experts 

10. William Troost-Ekong’s Green Streak of ‘18
Although the superstar defender for Nigeria has had many questionable hairstyles over the years, his dramatic green stripe on top of a low bald fade during the 2018 World Cup was one of his most iconic.

9. Roberto Baggio’s Braided Mullet of ‘94
The attacking midfielder, Roberto Baggio revealed his braided mullet, famously known as ‘the divine ponytail’ during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. His eccentric hairstyle became so popular that half of his fans began to style their hair in the same way.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Buzz Crew Cut of ‘18
The Portuguese striker fashioned his unique haircut during the 2018 World Cup that was a slight cross between a buzz cut and a crew cut and has a high hard part razored in. This set a trend for men all around the world that year and is still pretty popular to this day. In addition to being a little more stylish than a traditional buzz cut, it is a good haircut for men with coarse or frizzy hair.

7. Rodrigo Palacio’s Rat Tail of ‘14
Rodrigo Palacio received a lot of attention at the 2014 FIFA World Cup for his throwback rat tail haircut. Many have speculated that this was the worst haircut in World Cup history, but we think it was iconic

6. Taribo West’s Green Braids of ‘98
Nigerian defender Taribo West was a distinctive feature of his country at the 1998 World Cup, thanks to his distinctive haircut. He appeared with his green braided hair, which matches the colour of his national team shirt, and kept this tradition up by appearing in different hair colours according to the colours of the clubs he played in.

5. David De Gea’s Man Bun of ‘18
One of the more modern iconic World Cup hairstyles comes from Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea and his man bun. Many have tried to recreate this hairstyle, but be warned, it’s not for everyone. Our top tips: Go long! Tie your hair back and up into a bun shape. Keep it low for a more masculine finish.

4. Gerd Müller’s Mullet of ‘74
Gerd Müller’s mullet throughout 1974 was one of the first ever iconic FIFA World Cup hairstyles. Although mullets were quite popular at this time, Müller still had an influence and many began copying his iconic hairdo.

3. David Beckham’s Mohawk of ‘02
David Beckham’s mohawk took England by storm in the summer of ’02.  The hairstyle, which he launched at the FIFA World Cup defined a generation, and the iconic hairstyle was copied by young men all across England that year.

2. Romania’s Bleach Blonde Team of ’98
Why did the Romania FIFA World Cup team die their hair bleached blonde? This was probably one of the most asked questions in 1998! The iconic hairstyle instilled and inspired a sense of team spirit, not only within the team, but throughout the entire country. 

1. Ronaldo’s Shaved Patch of ‘02
The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker sported a shaved head, except for a semi-circle-shaped patch on his forehead ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The iconic hairstyle – if you can call it that – inspired men all over the world to do the same, and the bizarre hairstyle was seen everywhere you went.

: https://www.chrisandsons.co.uk/